The XIX International AIDS Conference

The XIX International AIDS Conference (IAC) will take place Sunday, July 22nd to 27th at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC. The IAC is the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV, as well as policymakers, persons living with HIV, and other individuals committed to ending the pandemic. This marks the first time in over 20 years that the IAC will be in the United States after the 2008 lifting of the HIV travel ban.

The AIDS 2012 program will present new scientific knowledge and offer many opportunities for structured dialogue on the major issues facing the global response to HIV. Other related activities, including the Global Village, satellite meetings, exhibitions, and affiliated independent events, will contribute to an exceptional opportunity for professional development and networking.

Advocates for Youth is an organizing partner of the Washington, DC YouthForce, a coalition of organizations working to prioritize youth HIV/AIDS issues and foster youth leadership at the International AIDS Conference. The YouthForce is hosting a three-day youth pre-conference that aims to equip young delegates with technical information, skills-building, and conference orientation to support their meaningful participation at the conference and foster networking opportunities prior to AIDS 2012.

Advocates for Youth is partnering with the Names Project to support their efforts to unveil the AIDS Memorial Quilt during this year's International AIDS Conference.

Thirty years into the HIV/AIDS epidemic, young leaders from the U.S. and around the world have a special opportunity to unfold The Quilt on the very first day to highlight the importance of youth leadership in the HIV/AIDS response and represent a new generation of activists while honoring the history of leaders and activists who have guided the movement thus far.

Click here to sign up as a volunteer for the AIDS Memorial Quilt Opening Ceremony.

Uniting for an AIDS-Free Generation: Street Soccer and Basketball Tournament

UNAIDS will be hosting a Street Soccer and Basketball Tournament in partnership with Advocates for Youth, Grassroots Project, the International AIDS Conference Youth Programme, Metro TeenAIDS, Soccer for Good, Monumental Sports, the Washington DC YouthForce, DC Community Coalition Youth Core, DC Department of Health, The Magic Johnson Foundation, The World Bank, among others. The event is open to adolescents and young people ages 14-26. In addition to ongoing soccer and basketball tournaments, there will be free on-site HIV testing, food, SWAG, flash mob, games, The Washington Wizards and Mystic Mascots, educational activities as well as participation of musicians and sports celebrities.

This satellite session will provide unique and much needed perspectives from a diverse group of young leaders working to improve the global HIV response in their countries and communities. Panelists include young leaders from sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean, and the U.S. who are directly engaged in HIV prevention programs and advocacy efforts. Will be followed by Q&A.

The Red Hot Party is the official event welcoming young people to the conference, hosted by Red Hot and Advocates for Youth. The event serves to recognize the importance of youth leadership in the global response to HIV and AIDS, celebrate their achievements, and honor the YouthForce, a coalition of organizations working to prioritize youth issues and foster youth engagement at the International AIDS Conferences.

Speakers include UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibé and Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen, Deputy Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund. The event will also feature musical performances from Jamar Rogers and Mister Saturday Night.

This poster session will provide conference participants with the opportunity to learn about the work of youth leaders in Jamaica who are implementing advocacy efforts to inform and influence national and global level policies affecting youth sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS.

Advocates for Youth Panel at the International AIDS Conference Global Village

Young People Leading the Fight against HIV/AIDS: U.S. and Global Perspectives on How to Make a Difference

This panel will feature youth activists from Advocates for Youth who have been working in their communities to improve the lives of young people through organizing, peer education, and national and global level advocacy.

Panelists will share their experiences working to engage young women of color on U.S. college campuses; promising practices for online peer education for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender youth; and national and global level advocacy to improve policies affecting young people's sexual and reproductive health and rights in the United States, Nigeria, and globally.

Please send all press inquiries to Rachel Cooke at
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and continue the conversation online using #youthaids2012.